Mayor, Wiknich debate over charter city exploration

In a reversal of an earlier decision, Ridgecrest's planning commission will not be taking on the initial study of whether the city should adopt a charter or remain a general law city.

By Jack BarnwellCITY EDITORjbarnwell@ridgecrestca.comIn a reversal of an earlier decision, Ridgecrest's planning commission will not be taking on the initial study of whether the city should adopt a charter or remain a general law city.The decision was announced Wednesday night at the Ridgecrest city council meeting when resident Tom Wiknich confronted the council about concerns over a lack of transparency by the council.City Manager Dennis Speer addressed the issue after Wiknich asked for an explanation as to whether the city would be pursuing the idea.“After more consideration, the idea of a charter city will not return to the planning commission until there has been a discussion here at the council level,” Speer said. He added that the city planner has been advised not to place it on future planning commission agendas until a decision has been made.Charter cities have more leeway in how they govern themselves and spend tax dollars, while general law cities like Ridgecrest must adhere to strict laws set down by county and state laws. A decision to adopt the charter ultimately rests with voters on an election ballot.Wiknich initially seemed content with the response until Mayor Dan Clark addressed the issue, setting off a tense discussion. Clark is an advocate of exploring whether or not Ridgecrest should adopt a charter, a promise made during his 2012 mayoral campaign.Clark dragged out a dormant issue initiated by Wiknich when he served on council between 2006 and 2010: Ridgecrest's secession to Inyo County.“I remember our discussions and I said 'Tom, they will hand you your rear end,'” Clark said. Clark added that he recalled Wiknich's response as saying it was a promise made to voters to explore.“I said I would support you 100 percent in your ability to say that because you had to represent that portion of the community,” Clark said. “I submit to you that I need that same support.”Clark also addressed a letter Wiknich wrote, challenging claims that the mayor had given direction to the city manager behind the scenes, that a charter city would abolish term limits established by voters in the 2012 elections, and that a charter city would establish the mayor as an executive-style leader.“The community votes on the charter, not the council,” Clark said. “If they want to get rid of term limits, then they can do that. The community votes on the decisions and you know that.”Wiknich countered that he based his letter on an article he had read in The Daily Independent. The article concerned the Aug. 27 planning commission meeting where City Planner Matthew Alexander said that the mayor, in concurrence with the city manager, had requested that the planning commission look into investigating the matter.Wiknich further defended his decision to bring the Inyo County item up during the time when he had been on council.“I brought that issue to the full city council,” Wiknich said. “I did not go to staff and say we need to look into this.”Wiknich added that there was no indication in the minutes of recent council meetings that suggest the council had reached a consensus on whether or not the planning commission should explore the idea. The last mention he said, was when Vice Mayor Chip Holloway mentioned a possible toolkit from the League of California Cities to help explore the option of moving to a charter city.Clark countered that the League has yet to finish that toolkit, and defended his decision that now was the time to explore the concept. One reason, he said, is that charter cities are not required to pay prevailing wage for infrastructure projects funded by state grants or money.In the meantime, however, Clark said the decision and discussion would reside with the council, not the planning commission.“I spoke with the city manager and decided to bring it back to council,” Clark said. “I'm absolutely happy to do that, and so long as I fulfill my word to the community I'll be a happy camper.”